What I really missed about this election cycle was – no stories.
For the previous two election cycles, in the last week before the election, the Newton Nomadic Theater held the Nomad Story Slam – Election Edition. All the competing candidates took a night off from speeches, and meet-and-greets, and campaigning. They gathered under one roof and each told a 5 minute personal story. The stories were funny, or moving, or dramatic or sometimes all three.
It was a wonderful way to finish out the campaign and a great way for the voters to meet the person rather than the candidate. I like to think it was also a great way to help relieve some of craziness and anger that tends to build towards the end of each election cycle.
This year we thought long and hard. We kept considering and reconsidering but ultimately decided that we would sit this year out and hopefully return for the next election.
This election eve I present two great and timeless stories from our two mayoral candidates that were told at an earlier election’s Nomad Story Slam. Enjoy!
Thank you for posting these stories. One made me laugh and one made me cry. As you wrote, both helped me see these two women as people, not just candidates.
The thing about these events that I love is that when you sit back and listen to the stories you realize that just about every one who runs for office in Newton is a really pleasant and interesting human being.
Now if you think I’m going all kumbaya on you, I will say that there was one person that night who really revealed himself to be a totally sleazy weasel.
Lol great story, Amy! I am the neighbor in question and still feel guilty that the poor tortoise died on my watch! He was a nice guy. I called him Tiny Tim.
Beautiful and moving story, Ruthanne.
Jerry, I remember that night well 4 years ago and wished we could have had another this year (the political climate sooo needed it). Your story will always be one of my all time favorites : – )…Till next year and Happy Election Day everyone! Go VOTE !
@Jerry – I think you meant to have a link to something in your comment, but it’s not working.